The Prospect by Roswell F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 9, 1872

The Prospect.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Time has hastened on, and we are brought to 1872. We yet have a High Priest in the sanctuary; and we have yet a work to do. The Lord yet waits for the salvation of men; and is not slack concerning his promises. His work is moving onward; it does not stop. The salvation of his people is nearer and nearer; and very soon it will come. Blessed will they be who have endured, and have done the work given them to do.

Brethren, we have no cause of discouragement. Only believe in God and press on in the way of duty, and God will perform. Let us consecrate ourselves anew to the work, seeking his aid and guidance.

The work is of God and not of men; therefore it is extremely unpopular, as truth and godliness ever have been during the history of the past. But though Satan and his hosts are all arrayed against our work, yet it is evident that the prospering hand of the Lord has brought the work to its present prosperous condition. Truly God has wrought. This should give us unwavering confidence in the work. The work, though great, will certainly be accomplished. If we turn back, it will be to our loss. Who would now draw back unto perdition? How much better to believe to the salvation of the soul!

Are we progressing, brethren? Are we getting our hearts more set upon the heavenly treasure? Are we alive in the Lord? Or have we got weary? and are we turning back? We are working out the answer to these questions. We are nearing the saints’ home, or we are nearing perdition.

How little have we done, and how much remains to be done! How little have I done in the past. Oh! that I might accomplish more for time to come. I do desire to redeem the time. I want to see the path of duty, and walk in it. Oh! that I might do the work God has given me to do. There certainly is abundance of work. Let me find my work. I think the language of my heart is, Here am I; send me.

I rejoice for the indications that God has not forgotten us. Upon those who are ready, the Spirit is about to be poured out. Many are watching our work to learn whether God is with us of a truth. Those who have humility enough to acknowledge it when they see it, will be gathered in. While our boast is only in the Lord, “the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” My sheep hear my voice, says the good Shepherd. Those who do not hear and heed the call are not of his sheep.

Let us come up to the work. Let us heed the call. Let us heartily embrace and live out the truth that we have. Let us walk in the light, and more light shall be given. Let us engage anew in the work of reform, and see to it that we do not reform backward.

Oh! the glory that will soon open to the view of the faithful! but how sad the disappointment of the unfaithful! What a contrast! We shall, as individuals, be found in one class or the other. Which shall it be? We shall each decide this question for ourselves. May God help the humble to seek humility, and the meek to seek meekness. We may, if we will be in earnest, be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.

Blessed be God that eternal life is before us, as an object of hope, and that we may lay hold upon it! Here is my heart and hand to labor to enter with you into the rest.

R. F. COTTRELL.